Lighter than air balloon systems and methods

Abstract

Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include one or more super-pressure balloons (SPB). One or more of the SPB's may include one or more interior volumes. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive an LTA gas therein to supplement the free lift of the LTA system. There may be an adjustable valve or vent to release the LTA gas. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive ambient air to provide a variable downward force. The SPB may use a compressor to pump in ambient air. The compressor or another valve may release ambient air to decrease the downward force. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the one or more SPB's. The ZPB may supplement lift for the system.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A super pressure balloon (SPB) comprising:
 a balloon envelope having a top and a bottom and configured to be inflated with a gas; 
 an opening at the top of the balloon envelope; and 
 an end fitting sealed to the opening, the end fitting comprising:
 an annulus piece; 
 a clamping ring positioned on a first side of the annulus piece; 
 a plate positioned on a second side of the annulus piece that is opposite the first side; and 
 one or more fasteners securing the clamping ring to the plate with the annulus piece clamped in between the clamping ring and the plate. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The SPB of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal positioned between the clamping ring and plate. 
     
     
       3. The SPB of  claim 1 , wherein the annulus piece comprises a flat film. 
     
     
       4. The SPB of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises one or more tendon termination posts configured to couple with one or more tendons. 
     
     
       5. The SPB of  claim 1 , further comprising a second end fitting sealed to a second opening of the SPB, the second opening being positioned at the bottom of the balloon envelope. 
     
     
       6. The SPB of  claim 5 , wherein the second end fitting comprises a valve configured to be attached with an air hose for receiving the gas into the balloon envelope. 
     
     
       7. The SPB of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer ring connected to and axially offset from the plate or clamping ring. 
     
     
       8. The SPB of  claim 1 , wherein the end fitting comprises a valve configured for venting the gas to the surrounding atmosphere. 
     
     
       9. The SPB of  claim 1 , wherein the balloon envelope comprises multiple chambers. 
     
     
       10. The SPB of  claim 1 , wherein the gas comprises air. 
     
     
       11. A method of attaching an end fitting to a super pressure balloon, the method comprising:
 sealing an annulus piece to a balloon envelope at an opening; 
 clamping the annulus piece at an interface between a clamping ring and a plate; and 
 securing the clamping ring and plate together with a fastener. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein sealing the annulus piece to the balloon envelope comprises heat sealing an outer diameter of the annulus piece to one or more gores of the balloon envelope. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein sealing the annulus piece to the balloon envelope comprises encapsulating at least part of the balloon envelope between the annulus piece and a second annulus piece. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising clamping a gasket at the interface. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising coupling one or more tendons to one or more tendon termination posts.